Biden calls Noy, backs Phl troops

WASHINGTON – United States Vice President Joe Biden called President Aquino on Friday to express his country’s support for Filipino peacekeepers surrounded by Syrian rebels in the Golan Heights.

Biden also discussed with Aquino the US and the Philippines’ shared interest in strengthening UN peacekeeping operations, the White House said.

Biden praised the commitment of the Philippines over many years to UN peacekeeping missions, including in Liberia, where the support of the international community remains critical to addressing the Ebola outbreak, the White House statement said.

The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to a strong bilateral alliance.

A Philippine contingent of about 70 peacekeepers stationed in Golan Heights is holding off Syrian rebels surrounding its encampment, UN and Filipino officials said.

The troops have vowed to stand their ground in the face of rebel demands they surrender their arms.

There has been no actual fighting thus far and negotiations are ongoing for a peaceful resolution of the situation.

Earlier, the rebels seized the camp of 43 Fiji peacekeepers. The whereabouts of the captured Fijians were unknown as of press time yesterday.

In Manila, Malacañang said the government is studying the possibility of pulling out the Filipino peacekeepers ahead of the agreed withdrawal schedule in October.

“That will have to be considered... Certainly, they’re taking the present situation into consideration, but the President is being briefed round the clock,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over dzRB.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said a process must be followed for the pullout of the troops because their deployment was part of the country’s commitment to the United Nations.

The President earlier agreed to pull out the troops in Golan Heights because of the deteriorating security situation in the region. Another group of Filipino peacekeepers, in Liberia, is also being considered for pullout due to the Ebola outbreak.

Valte said the AFP was in direct communication with the peacekeepers and with the UN Force Headquarters in Golan Heights. Authorities were “trying to resolve the situation peacefully.”

“As we await further updates, let us reflect on the struggles of our heroes – old and new – those whom we revere as national icons, as well as those who perform the everyday tasks of nation-building: serving as liaisons between countries, constructing roads in Mindoro, and safekeeping peace in lands far beyond our borders,” she said.  – Aurea Calica